San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-05-09

gagged nand was mar extended as II To
take his.
The duke, who ut first seemed 10 have
been struck silent by the very audacity
of his rivals insOlence, gathered him
self up and replied:
Stand out Of my path. Your insinua.
tions are as insulting TO the lady as In
myself. Out of my way, fellow"
The half-raised hand Of Frazolina
fell.
ut is of no use" she said. Il cannot
escape"
And she broke out into the gayest
strain of her improvisation in praise of
the carnival, and thus passed with
the duke into the salon.
The following day, the first of the
carnival, as Lady CastlefOrt, her son
and Frazolina were sitting in the dukes
carriage, which was slowly moving
along with the throng, figure in the
habit of friar made its way close TO
the wheels, and deposited bunch Of
violets in Mile Stoccati's lap. She re-
paid him with a handful of confetti, but
took up the viOlets to fasten them in
her dress. The duke, who was sitting
opposite, begged her to share them with
him. She obeyed, but instead of retain
ing the remainder, she sent them after
the confetti upon the friar's head and
shoulders. Brogni, for none OF the party
except Lady Castlefort had failed to
recognize the Italian under his disguise,
shook the flowers off, muttering in tones
which at least reached the ear for which
they were intended. The duke bowed
his head assentingly, and Lord Castle
fort, who had caught something of what
was said, opened his lips to speak; but
the throng of maskers swept the friar
along, and they quickly lost sight of
him.
Frazolina was completely carried
away by the gayety of the scene. Her
rare beauty and her frank merriment
drew a crowd of jewellers constantly
about the carriage, until Lady Castle
forts sense of propriety began to take
alarm. At her request the duke order
ed the coachman to drive out of the
throng; this was a matter of some diff
Guilty, as it was necessary to drive some
distance before the carriage could be
freed from the crowd. AS they at last
turned down into retired street, bill
let was thrust into Lord CastlefOrt's
hand by messenger whom he failed to
distinguish in the confusion. 1t was in
Donates hand, and contained these
words:
Farewell have much TO arrange, for
the duke is a sure swOrdsman. For the love
of me-for the love of God, save FrazOlinaP
Lord Castlefort was accustomed to
think and to act with promptness. No
sooner were they fairly out OF the Tole-
do, than he left the carriage upon some
pretext, and proceeded on foot to the
residence of Brogni, which was at no
great distance. The house was all but
empty, as everybody was enjoying the
carnival. When Carl at last found an
old woman, she declared that her mas
ter had not returned home. Whether
this were true, or the count had charg-
ed her to admit no one, 1t was equally
impossible to see him; and Lord Castle
fort was obliged to content himself with
leaving hastily written note i'll which
he implored his friend to do nothing
rashly, and to rely upon him in any eX-
tremity.
The true state of affairs was but half
clear to Carl. lie felt himself working
in the dark, inaSmuCh as he could not
determine the actual relations of Fra
zolina to the duke. The fact that she
did not love Di Mocciri was sufficiently
evident; and yet how else to account for
the dukes mysterious influence over
herP Turning these things over in his
mind, Carl was startled on his arrival
at the villa to find that his mother had
retired to her chamber with severe
headache, while the duke and FrazO-
lima were in the garden. He at once
went to join them, but encountered
FraZOlina, pale as death, returning TO
the villa alone.
where is the duke?" he demanded.
What is the natter"
at is all arranged" she said, speak
ing with apparent difficulty. He will
take me away to Rome"
"To ROmep exclaimed Carl, catching
her by the arm, "To Rome! Are you
mad"
what can do?" she cried clasping
his hand with both of hers. What pow
er have II"
"What compels you to go with him?"
retorted her companion. And BrOgnip
What of him? What power has the
duke over your"
"Why did you give me to him." she
gasped. Had my destiny in my own
hands then? 1t was your work."
"FraZolina" he said, "yOu-"
Destroy mel" she continued, falling
on her knees and still clasping his hand.
4The symphony is yet in your power.
For the love of mercy do not let him
take me to ROme!"
Are you insane?" he asked, raising
her tenderly. "All can | will do"
With a piercing glance she darted
from him, nor did he see her again that
night.